ONE of Hampshire’s leading hotels has been put up for sale for £4m.

The 4-star Botleigh Grange Hotel in Hedge End has been owned by the same family for 60 years.

But owner David Plumpton has now decided to sell up as he retires to pursue other interests.

The management of the hotel was handed to Legacy Hotels and Resorts in 2008, in a five-year deal.

It was formerly run by the world's largest hotel chain Best Western.

The hotel has 56-rooms, a luxury spa, banqueting facilities and extensive modern meeting rooms, considered to be the largest conferencing facilities in the south of England.

Leisure facilities include a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, mud rasul, monsoon experience showers, cardiovascular gym and relaxation showers.

The hotel has seen major development, extension and refurbishment over the years, while retaining its fine original features.

It is set in superb grounds, including lakes which make an attractive back-drop for weddings and to which a local fishing club pays an annual premium to enjoy the excellent fishing.

Ed Bellfield, director of Christie + Co, which is marketing the hotel, said: “Botleigh Grange Hotel has an established reputation, appealing to both leisure and corporate guests due to its proximity to Southampton .

“We believe there is significant scope for an experienced owner/operator to invest in this opportunity and benefit from its unique trading location.”

Christie + Co is seeking offers of £4 million for the trading business .